Meet Anthony Simmons | Hairstylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anthony Simmons and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anthony, what do you want people to remember about you?
Recently I took on an old high school friend as a client, who has come out as transgender. She was telling me during our first appointment that seeing my brightly colored hair, my outrageous fashion sense, fun, bold makeup looks and especially, the consistent fight it took to be allowed to rock my look, inspired her to embrace her femininity and challenge her religious family to be who she really is. I never thought for a second that I was doing anything but being stubborn and rebellious up until she said that, even though I still keep it up to this day. I’ve always avoided jobs with uniforms and when the salon I worked for pre-pandemic gave us one, I left and went independent.

When I leave this world I want to leave it knowing I’ve helped inspire the world to decorate their bodies however they’d like, whenever they’d like. Doctors with mullets, and lawyers with purple curls; I want self expression to be the norm, and never policed.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When I first graduated cosmetology school I was still terrified of cutting, and certain aspects of styling as well. I had no idea what to do at the time other than sign up for classes at Armstrong McCall and throw myself head first into Great Clips until I felt comfortable enough to go into a full service salon. While working there I also made sure I kept my color and product knowledge sharp beyond the buzz cuts and trims I was doing day after day. Once I finally got into a full service salon, I found my groove pretty quickly and excelled. I was doing every service I possibly could, taking every class they offered onto of classes outside of the salon as well. I did feel that lead to a bit of burnout over time and since then I’ve learned that just sticking to the mission at hand and consistently showing up as the most me version of myself that I could be, the education was all I needed in the end. Working 10-12 hours, 5-6 days a week wasn’t and isn’t necessary to be successful, and more importantly feel fulfilled in this industry.
Now, working on my own, I have clients that work for Fortune 500 companies secretly sporting purple highlights, grannies with jewel tones singing on the church choir, and teachers and nurses with edgy cuts just conquering the world. The most important aspect of this job to me is inspiring others to be 100% themselves no matter what restrictions are in place. Self expression plays a huge part in being and feeling confident.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For fun I think, FreePlay Arcade in Richardson is a must. I love love the vintage games, there’s always something new in there. On top of that the beer selection is amazing and it’s in a low-key area so you don’t have to worry about the crowds that come with Deep Ellum. If I’m not there, I’m hanging out with my boyfriend and kiddo at Spring Creek Preserve in Garland soaking up the sun and walking along the many trails and creek.

For brunch, one of my absolute favorite spots is Ida Claire, in Addison (which just happens to be down the street from my salon) I always leave there full with a smile on my face. My first job was at Henry’s Majestic in uptown however, so they definitely take the crown for the best in Dallas. Their sparkling mimosa bar is genius, the bone marrow burger is genius, and the atmosphere is quintessentially Dallas.
Addison also has Kenny’s Italian Kitchen. I honestly get really picky when it comes to Italian food around Dallas. I went to Venice one time for 24 hours, so I’m totally an expert and Kenny’s hits the mark for sure! You can even split the entrees which is dope for the indecisive and still easy on the wallet so you can splurge on a little bar crawl around the rest of the Village on the parkway.
Otherwise I love to hit Eataly in Northpark and go to town on their grocery section to cook at home. It’s truly a one of a kind experience shopping there.

Thunderbird Station and Strangeways are fighting for the spot as my favorite bars in Dallas. Thunderbird literally used to be a gas station and their drinks have a definite Dairy Queen, spiked with moonshine on a road trip kinda vibe. Strangeways has the best Yucca fries I’ve ever had and their bartenders know their tequila very very well.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My amazing suite mate, Quia, invited me to sub-lease a suite with her and has been a constant source of knowledge, inspiration and especially business insights. Without her encouragement I wouldn’t have gotten to this point as quickly as I have and I’m forever grateful for it.

My family has invested in me since day 1 and I’ll be forever grateful for that. It’s definitely a privilege to not have had to worry about a lot of the debt the comes with starting up and I really appreciate the continued investment in my continuing education as well. I’ve been set up to lead a great life.

My dear friends Lexi and Izzy, have been a huge inspiration when it comes to keeping it fresh, keeping it weird, and sticking to my goal. Without them being 100% authentically, them, I’d feel alone in this fight.

And definitely shout out to Britt Seva of the Thriving Stylist podcast and Thrivers Society. I’ve recently started the program and I’m already learning loads about the business side of the industry and making some healthy business changes.

Website: aunthoneydoeshair.com

Instagram: Aunthoney.doeshair

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AunthoneyDoesHairr/

Image Credits
Darren L. Roberts Photography